The wall that were climbed was about 100 feet tall, with routes that topped out at about 90 feet. Someone called my name after they finished lead climbing (thus the route was set up for top roping) indicating it was my turn. I started climbing, paused for a moment and was feeling pretty good. I continued for a bit longer until I realized I was getting a bit tired. I then looked down and noticed that I was really high up there. I then looked up and realized I had a LONG way to go!!! I wasn't even half way!
I continued to climb, saving my arm strength for as long as I could and taking "standing breaks", where your weight on your feet and your arms can rest. While you can always rest using the rope and harness, if you do that, to me the route doesn't count as a successful completion because you needed the rope to take a break.
I got within an few feet of the top, my arms were on fire, the rope anchor was in sight, and I had NO WHERE to put my feet. Knowing my arms would give way soon and being so close, I threw all "climbing technique" out the window. I called down to my belay-er Gwendolyn "I'm going for it!", giving her warning that I may be falling soon! There I stood, 85 feet off the ground. I looked up and JUMPED, leaping for the next hand hold hoping it would provide a decent grip because if it doesn't, I'm gonna fall (only a few feet because of Gwendolyn's killer belay skills). My hand made perfect contact with the next hold and stuck like duct tape to itself! I made a last effort to pull my weight up, reached out and slapped the top of the rope and then joyfully relaxed into my harness, 90 feet off the ground!!! Incredible!
The afternoon continued into the evening with several other climbs up and down this wall of rock. We hiked back to the cars in the dark and headed back into town, with the real world facing us the next morning!
Enjoy a few pictures!
Rockstar Kristina lead roping with green shirted Jere lead belaying. Look at all that gear (including helmet... safety first!)!
My first repel, thanks to the instructional help of Kristina. Yes, it was awesome.
Tony and Kristina working their way up the 90 foot wall!
A look down at the two belay-ers!
The base of the wall!
My view from a little over half way up. Sorry for the blur, my hands were a bit shaky
This coming weekend, The Group is heading up to Skaha, British Columbia - a sport climbing mecca - for a 3 day camping and climbing excursion! Once again, more pictures to come!
